Major carbon deal for Indonesia forests

July 09, 2026

Singapore-based climate solutions developer Thryve.Earth has secured major long-term carbon removal agreements with Google, McKinsey, and Tencent, supporting an ambitious agroforestry initiative in Indonesia that aims to remove more than 635,000 tonnes of CO₂ while restoring 6,000 hectares of degraded land.

The landmark agreements represent Google’s largest carbon removal commitment to date and Tencent’s first investment in a nature-based carbon removal project outside China, highlighting growing corporate demand for high-integrity climate solutions.

Restoring Indonesia’s degraded landscapes

Established in 2022, Thryve.Earth develops nature-based carbon removal projects across South and Southeast Asia by restoring degraded ecosystems and improving biodiversity. Its latest initiative is located in Sulawesi, Indonesia, a globally significant biodiversity hotspot known for its carbon-rich tropical forests that have suffered extensive degradation due to shifting agriculture, soil erosion, invasive plant species, and unsustainable land use.

The restoration strategy focuses on transforming degraded grasslands into productive agroforestry systems that combine environmental recovery with sustainable agriculture.

Multi-layer agroforestry approach

The project will implement a diverse farming model designed to maximize carbon sequestration while generating long-term economic value for local communities.

The upper canopy will feature sugar palm and timber trees, while the middle layer will include crops such as coffee, avocado, papaya, and bananas. Annual crops including corn and chili peppers will be cultivated at ground level, creating a resilient multi-tier agricultural ecosystem.

This integrated approach is expected to improve land productivity, enhance ecosystem resilience, and support sustainable livelihoods.

Environmental and community benefits

Beyond capturing atmospheric carbon, the Sulawesi project is expected to deliver significant ecological and social benefits.

According to Thryve.Earth, restoring the landscape will improve soil quality, reduce wildfire risks, increase biodiversity, and create healthier ecosystems. The initiative will also generate stable employment opportunities for nearby communities through nursery operations, tree planting, invasive species removal, land maintenance, and other restoration activities.

Local farmers are expected to benefit from more diversified and resilient income sources through participation in the agroforestry program.

High-quality carbon removal

Ron Steinherz, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Thryve.Earth, emphasized that restoring degraded landscapes requires strong operational execution backed by rigorous monitoring.

He noted that combining high-quality seedlings, standardized field practices, and transparent verification across every hectare enables the company to provide reliable, measurable, and long-lasting carbon removal while delivering meaningful benefits for local communities.

Long-term offtake agreements support project growth

These agreements are Thryve.Earth’s first corporate carbon removal offtake contracts and provide the financial certainty needed to scale the project by guaranteeing future carbon credit purchases.

The 10-year commitments include more than 335,000 tonnes of carbon removal purchased by Google and McKinsey through the Symbiosis Coalition, while Tencent has separately committed to purchasing 300,000 tonnes of carbon removals.

Symbiosis coalition expands into agroforestry

The Indonesian initiative becomes the third carbon removal project supported by the Symbiosis Coalition and its first focused on agroforestry.

Julia Strong, Executive Director of the Symbiosis Coalition, said the project demonstrates that strong community engagement and ecosystem restoration are fundamental drivers of successful, high-integrity carbon removal initiatives.

 She added that long-term purchasing commitments provide developers like Thryve.Earth with the confidence needed to expand restoration efforts and accelerate the growth of the global carbon removal market.